Looking Back on Scale Your Impact Event 2024

Marieke Eyskoot opened the program alongside councillor Soufyan Mbarki. He began his speech by recounting a breakfast-table conversation with his son. How do you explain the concept of “scaling impact” to a child? He realized he found himself using the term “broad well-being economy” with a twelve-year-old.

Mbarki outlined that the Amsterdam region generates an average of 185 million euros annually, comparable to a country like Hungary. At the same time, it’s a region where some children go to school without breakfast, and families struggle to make it to the end of the month. Mbarki emphasized that while economic growth is a laudable goal, it is not enough. Progress must benefit everyone—socially, economically, and sustainably. "We must cherish the incredible initiatives already underway and focus on scaling them. It’s essential to identify and address challenges," Mbarki stressed.

Following Mbarki, the next speaker on stage was Prof. Dr. Victor Lamme, a professor at the University of Amsterdam and renowned neuroscientist known for his research on free will, visual perception, and consciousness. He began his talk with the trolley problem, an ethical dilemma about whether to save a larger group of people by sacrificing one individual. Using this, he illustrated how most decisions are not made rationally but are heavily influenced by emotions, with greed, fear, and herd mentality playing significant roles.

The plenary session concluded with a Q&A featuring Max van der Burght, account manager at media company MEO, and Daniela Djamanti of Biogen.MEO provides services such as graphic design, online marketing, and back-office support, with about half of their employees having a distance to the labor market (or, as Marieke Eyskoot aptly pointed out, "the labor market has a distance to them"). Biogen is a U.S.-based multinational specializing in researching, developing, and producing medicines for neurological conditions. Together, they discussed their online campaign, the power of storytelling, and how making an impact starts with small steps in the right direction.

Breakout Sessions

During five breakout sessions, each held twice, a range of themes was explored, from impactful partnerships to creating a more inclusive labor market. Marco Florijn (Social Capital Fund FNO) and Jeroen Vanson (Impact Economy Foundation) shared insights into how the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) not only fosters transparency but also catalyzes transformation. Egon van Wees (Amsterdam Impact) led a discussion on new public-private partnerships and local coalitions. Ritu Geelhoed (Rabo Foundation) offered participants valuable tips on financing options, requirements, and opportunities.

“I couldn’t stop adding exclamation points to my notes during the CSRD breakout session—it was so valuable!” shared an enthusiastic participant.

Soapbox Route and 2024 Award

With a countdown clock on the screen, five social entrepreneurs and thought leaders eagerly shared their inspiring stories of success, innovation, and best practices. During the interactive Soapbox Route, speakers such as Nanette Hogervorst (Sustainable Fashion Card), Ellen Kooij and Isolde Schram (Hop, Step & Leap Company), Ilse Kwaaitaal (Impact Hub Amsterdam), Linda Bakker (University of Applied Sciences Utrecht), and Ruben Brave (New Dutch Connections) presented their visions and experiences to the audience.

After the route, attendees voted for the best pitch, and during the closing session, the Soapbox Award 2024 was presented to Ilse Kwaaitaal.

“When I saw the guest list on the website, I signed up for this event immediately. Everyone involved in social entrepreneurship is here,” said one participant.

Building the New Economy Together

With many meaningful conversations, inspiring sessions, and new connections, we look back on a successful first edition of Scale Your Impact. A big thank you to all participants, speakers, and partners who made this possible.

Want to know more about Scale Your Impact? Check out the website here.